Bridgewater didn’t want to be a Brown

Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater throws a pass during the first half of the Russell Athletic Bowl against Miami in Orlando, Fla. Bridgewater said he was relieved he was not drafted by the Cleveland Browns.
(Photo:
AP
)

The Cleveland Browns reportedly commissioned a study that cost more than $100,000 ahead of the 2014 NFL draft to determine which quarterback would best serve the franchise’s needs.

All signs pointed to the Browns selecting the University of Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater with the 26th pick of the first round last Thursday. But then Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel slid and slid. The Browns traded up, took Manziel 22nd and apparently lifted a weight off Bridgewater’s shoulders.

“There was a chance” the Browns would select Bridgewater, the quarterback told the “Dan Patrick Show” on Tuesday, “but I actually told my agent, ‘That’s not the place where I wanted to be.’ Throughout this process, I felt comfortable with the Minnesota Vikings.”

And so that’s where Bridgewater ended up after months of hearing how his frame and hands were too small, his Pro Day too poor to overcome and his leadership too unproven.

But Bridgewater is the same Teddy now, and he reiterated he’ll stick with that name.

Theodore “sounds more professional, but Teddy sounds more athletic,” he told NBC’s Patrick.

“There was never a moment when I got down, because I knew I was in a special situation,” Bridgewater added. “This entire process — it was a learning process, also. I learned a lot about myself, my character and who I really am.

“…It’s hard to process, but at the same time, I feel that I’m built differently. I’m a tough guy mentally and physically. Everything that’s been said, I’ve been able to embrace it. Look at me now. I’m a Minnesota Viking.”

Bridgewater, who will continue wearing No. 5 in the NFL, said he hasn’t discussed with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer or the team’s front office whether he’ll be in line to start his first game as a rookie.

But the Vikings, who used a pick before taking Bridgewater, are aware he will play miffed — upset about his slide from a possible No. 1 pick after the college season.

“Coach Zimmer loves guys who play with a chip on their shoulder,” Bridgewater said.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at 502-582-4199 or via email at jlintner@courier-journal.com; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.